Union cites 44.30% project progress, poor road condition and continuing hardships faced by commuters
The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has urged the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) not to grant any further extension of time to M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. for the NH-29 two-lane Kohima–Jessami Road Package-1, citing slow progress and continuing hardships faced by commuters.
In a representation to the Executive Director (Projects), NHIDCL Regional Office, Kohima, the CSU said the project was originally scheduled for completion on January 4, 2026. According to the union, an Extension of Time (EoT) has already been granted to the contractor until September 24, 2026, while the overall work progress remains at 44.30%.
The union said the road is a lifeline for people travelling to and from Phek, Kiphire and Meluri districts, and that its deteriorating condition has affected students travelling for education, patients requiring medical treatment, government officials, traders and others dependent on regular movement along the road.
The CSU further stated that it had entered into a six-point agreement with NHIDCL and the EPC contractor on June 22 to facilitate completion of the project. However, the union alleged that the contractor continues to lack adequate machinery, manpower and maintenance arrangements.
It also referred to joint inspections conducted on July 13 and August 4, claiming that these had not resulted in visible progress and that substantial portions of the road remained in deplorable and, in some places, unmotorable condition.
According to the CSU, commuters have been stranded for hours and several accidents have occurred due to the condition and alleged lack of maintenance of the road.
The union has therefore demanded that NHIDCL not grant M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. any further extension beyond September 24, and has called for immediate restoration of vulnerable and severely damaged stretches along with daily maintenance throughout the project stretch.
The CSU said any further extension despite what it described as prolonged delays, inadequate progress and repeated non-compliance would be viewed seriously by the union and could lead it to pursue “appropriate democratic and lawful courses of action” in the larger public interest.
The union urged NHIDCL to take the matter seriously and ensure that the public is not subjected to further uncertainty and hardship.
